It was an extremely difficult task for Balamurukan, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Ayanavaram police station in Chennai. He had to convey the news of a woman’s murder to her fifteen-year old son.
The youngster stood trembling as the police officer somehow managed to tell him that his mother had been stabbed to death by a neighbor. Then Balamurukan asked the boy, “Who else is there at home?” The reply shocked the police officer. “Nobody,” said the boy, Karthik.
His father had died earlier and Karthik cried aloud, “I have nobody now…”
The boy’s plight moved Balamurukan to tears.
This was some weeks ago. Now the situation has changed entirely. Ask Karthik about his relatives and he would reply, “I have Balamurukan Sir as father and his wife Kalarani as mother. I have two siblings too – their children Vishal and Jeevasree.”
Balamurukan is now the guardian of Karthik and wants to officially adopt the youngster. However, there are legal hurdles for a couple who already have children to adopt another kid. Balamurukan is now engaged in efforts to overcome such legal matters.
The police officer also reveals what prompted him to take Karthik in his care. “I couldn’t sleep after meeting Karthik; he reminded me of my own son Vishal. There are several youngsters who have taken to crime after being orphaned at a young age. I did not want Karthik too to join them,” he said.
Karthik’s educational expenses are met by Balamurukan now. However, the youngster still stays at the children’s home; legal issues prevent the police officer from bringing the youngster to his house.
Balamurukan and Kalarani regularly visit Karthik and ensure that all his needs are met. When they tell him, “Treat us as your own parents,” he cries again, but this time with joy.
